Accounts Manager - Brentwood, Essex

Taxation; Brentwood; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A professional services firm seeks an Accounting Manager to manage client portfolios and ensure high-quality service delivery. The role requires ACA or ACCA qualification, leadership experience, and strong communication skills. Offering competitive salary, 25 days leave, and flexible benefits, this position is ideal for ambitious professionals looking to progress to leadership roles in a supportive environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary

25 days annual leave + Bank holidays

Company pension scheme

Life assurance at 4x annual salary

Flexible benefits platform

Qualifications

• Experience in an accountancy practice.
• Leadership experience with team mentoring.
• Strong technical knowledge of UK tax regulations.

Responsibilities

• Manage and grow a personal portfolio of client accounts.
• Build and maintain long-lasting relationships with clients.
• Ensure compliance with legal and ethical regulations.
• Provide insights and practical solutions to clients.
• Contribute to strategic business planning.

Skills

Client management

Communication skills

Technical knowledge of UK accounting standards

Leadership

Problem-solving

Education

ACA or ACCA qualified

Job description

Accounts Manager – Flexible Benefits & Hybrid Options

My client is a forward-thinking professional services firm, established to provide trusted business advice to SMEs across the UK and Ireland. With a collaborative network of over 2,500 colleagues, the firm combines deep expertise with a client‑focused approach, offering ambitious professionals the opportunity to develop specialist skills and progress toward leadership roles.

They are seeking an Accounting Manager to join their team, building and managing client relationships, overseeing portfolios, and delivering high‑quality services that enhance the firm’s reputation and client satisfaction. This is an influential role for a strategic thinker with leadership experience and the ability to drive growth and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and grow a personal portfolio of client accounts, ensuring timely delivery and exceptional service
• Build and maintain strong, long‑lasting relationships with clients, directors, and internal teams
• Review team files to ensure compliance with legal, ethical, and statutory regulations, identifying and addressing any issues
• Provide expert insights, advice, and practical solutions to clients
• Implement best practices and leverage technology to drive efficiency and profitability
• Contribute to strategic and business planning with a focus on revenue and profit growth
• Mentor, develop, and inspire staff to achieve high performance
• Ensure all client work meets quality and compliance standards while adding maximum value

The Ideal Candidate

• ACA or ACCA qualified with experience in an accountancy practice
• Strong technical knowledge of UK accounting standards and tax regulations
• Leadership experience, with the ability to mentor and develop a team
• Excellent client management and communication skills
• Commercially aware and able to provide practical solutions to complex problems
• Highly organised, decisive, and motivated to achieve excellence
• Ambitious with a long‑term goal of progressing to Director‑level leadership

What’s on Offer

• Competitive salary
• 25 days annual leave + bank holidays, with options to buy up to 5 extra days
• Business closure over Christmas*
• Company pension scheme
• Life assurance at 4x annual salary
• Enhanced family leave and sick pay policies
• Employee Assistance Programme with 24/7 confidential support
• Flexible benefits platform with options such as PMI, critical illness cover, cash plan, cycle to work, eye care, and dental
• Exposure to a broad SME client base and opportunities to drive innovation and growth
• Supportive and collaborative working environment

For further information on this role please contact David Elliot at david@clark‑wood.co.uk or call [phone]. Mobile: [phone].

This role is ideal for candidates with relevant experience in a UK accountancy practice. Unfortunately, we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this position.